5 worst defeats for Rahul Dravid in ODIs

Even after scoring 13288 Test runs and 10889 ODI runs which included close to 50 international hundreds, Rahul Dravid will always be India’s unsung hero. He just used to turn up time and again, perform quietly without creating a buzz around but still had a big impact. He always tried to remain away from the limelight.

Dravid might have given the impression of being a classical Test player. But he more often than not found ways to score and succeed in One-Day cricket as well. In fact, the former No. 3 has the joint second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian in ODI cricket.

However, even though he was a part of some famous wins, Dravid had his share of lows as well, especially when he was the captain.

Hence, let’s take a look at 5 of his worst defeats in ODIs.

#5 Against Sri Lanka – 2005 (Indian Oil Cup Final)

Ashish Nehra was the only wicket-taker for India in the final.

In July-August 2005, Sri Lanka, West Indies and India were involved in a tri-series which was named Indian Oil Cup. India started off well with a couple of wins but faltered against Sri Lanka in their 3rd game. They eked their way into the finals (winning by 7 runs against West Indies in the last group encounter).

In the final, Sri Lanka decided to bat first after winning the toss. Despite losing wickets throughout their innings, the hosts put on a very good total of 281/9. Mahela Jayawardene (83), Russell Arnold (64) and Sanath Jayasuriya (67) struck the fifties.

Chasing 282, India were off to a flying start with Virender Sehwag racing off to 48 in just 22 balls and India reached 62 in the 7th over when Sehwag got out. Even after his dismissal, India went along very well as they reached 185/2 at the 35-over mark. With Dravid and Yuvraj batting well and a few more batsmen to come, 97 in 15 overs wasn’t a big ask. But a slew wickets derailed India’s chase and they fell 18 runs short as Sri Lanka’s bowlers brought them back in the game to lift the Indian Oil Cup.